[dylan604]

It hasn't worked for banks and all the various ways they've tried to keep pens from walking off, nor gas station bathroom keys. In effort you expend is ultimately wasted, as someone that wants to take will take and someone that is unawares they accidentally disposed of the utensil will not be stopped by any of the attempts. However if it makes you feel good and you enjoy the time spend over a weekend doing it, by all means have at. Just know what's to know going in. Which it sounds like you do.

[jjmarr]

I've always thought people stealing pens is just a form of advertising which is why any company offering pens puts logos on them.

All this post makes me think of is what other commonly-stolen objects one could put advertising on.

[mulmen]

I proudly leave my “This pen stolen from the Sloop Tavern” pen on my desk.

With that kind of marking it’s like they want me to take it!

[nomel]

No, there are effective methods. One is to attach a giant fake flower into it.

[gravescale]

Or make the pen a T-shaped or something. It does write on things but who wants an annoying pen that doesn't fit properly in a drawer and it difficult to do anything other than scribble a signature?

Some people also sloppily spray bikes with pink spray paint because then it's pretty much unsaleable. So all you have to worry about are the vandals who just want to ruin someone's day.

[fragmede]

thankfully, locks can now be digital, so the key is now your phone or a code, which has other problems, but can't walk off in the same way